Top 10 of 2010

Here are my favourite images from 2010. I was going to number them but then someone might figure out that there's actually more than ten! I couldn't narrow it down, as it was I left out lots I loved.

I have loved my photography journey this year and I look forward to even more adventures in 2011. Watch this space as I intend to start the year with a bang :)

I cheated!

I never, ever thought it would happen to me. I thought I was different. But I've learnt to say, never say never.

My story really is quite predictable. In the beginning, I was so in love. From the moment we met I knew I had found my match. Everyone else commented too. So many positive comments, all the time.

Things started to change a little though when my expectations weren't quite being met. I looked around at other people and saw what was possible. Why couldn't I have that? Still, I dismissed those feelings as we all know that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side, don't we.

Then...I met David. In an instant I knew I would inevitably cheat. He had such a profound impact on me. He showed me that my expectations were indeed possible. And then I found tonnes more out there just like David enjoying what I once thought wasn't possible.

Initially I didn't act on my feelings. I admired from afar. Dreaming and hoping that one day I could find such bliss. As the days went on, my eye wondered further, until one day, I contemplated 'what if'. 'What if' I acted on this?

Well...as they say, the rest is history. I must bid my beloved Canon 450D a huge farewell. We had fun together and I will always remember my dear Canon with fondness. But my new love has been found in a Nikon D700. Yes, I cheated. Defected even. But I look forward to my newfound relationship.

And here is the new love of my life.....

Where'd it go?

Where'd it go? That is what this totally gorgeous two year old boy said after I drove away from our family portrait session.

I loved this family session. They live on a gorgeous property with lots of room and real cows! I was driving to the session and just as I thought I must be getting close the satnav told me to continue another 35 kilometres before turning.

I just love this family. They are so happy and genuine and we had so much fun. I didn't want to finish taking photos (in fact, I am sure I took a lot of "just one more's") and the girls were more than happy to continue.

And we had some silly moments in between the more traditional shots :)

Creating a welcome landing page on Facebook

I was trying to create a welcome page on facebook that automatically loads when new people come to my page. The information is out there when you google but I found that a lot of the information is old given Facebook changes the settings so often. I have had a lot of generous photographers share information and templates so I thought I would give back by detailing a step by step approach to creating a welcome page on Facbook. I hope it is useful to someone.

Step 1: Create a JPEG.

Facebook images are usually 720 on the long side however I found this to be too wide for the welcome page. My welcome page is 500 wide by 1,200 long. You can afford to have a longer image if you need to. When creating this page, remember this will be the first thing people see when they visit your facebook page so it needs to work for you.

Step 2: Upload your JPEG

The JPEG will need to be supported by a third party host like photobucket or flickr.

Step 3: Add the FBML application
On Facebook, search for the FBML application. Click on the application, click 'add to my page' and select the page you want to add it to and press close.

Step 4: Alter the FBML application information
Go to your page and click "Edit page" under your profile picture. Click on "applications" on the list on the left of the screen. On the right part of the screen, the FBML application will be listed. Click on "go to application". In the Box Title field, type in the name you want to give your tab. I chose ~Welcome~

In the FBML box, copy and paste the following
<center>
<img src="http:selectimagelocation.jpg">
</center>

The red text should be replaced with the path to your image.

Click on 'save changes' down the bottom.

Step 5: Make your welcome page a landing page.
You can make your welcome page your default page for everyone who clicks on your link. This won't apply for people who already 'like' you, they will automatically see your wall.

Click on 'options' on your wall as per image below:

Click on 'settings' as per image below

And select the ~Welcome~ tab from the drop down menu next to "Default Landing Tab for Everyone Else" as per image below

If you test your page you should find that your default page for all 'non-likers' should now be your new welcome page.

Feel free to visit my facebook page

Gorgeous newborn cheeks!

This session was a photographer’s dream. This gorgeous newborn baby slept through all the shots and outfit changes. He was just so delightful and aren’t those the most gorgeous newborn cheeks!

Sisters are friends forever...

I thoroughly enjoyed this photo shoot. When I met gorgeous Miss I, I knew her baby sister was so lucky to have such an adoring older sister to look out for her. Such petite, gorgeous girls...

This little piggy...

I just have to share this image. I sat down to edit this shoot when I came across this lovely image and it melted my heart. This adoring big sister started reciting “this little piggy” to her newborn sister and I had to capture the moment, as it was so precious.

Double delight

This photo session brought back a lot of memories for me. How special newborn twins are, how tiny they are and how hard their parents work. This was an exceptionally lovely family who took their double blessing in their stride. It was a pleasure doing this photo shoot.

Sneak peek

I just love photographing newborns and this little girl was no exception. She also had an adoring and equally as gorgeous big sister. Here is a sneak peek, more to come soon...



Night time photography

Whilst my speciality is portrait photography, I also love shooting landscapes at golden hour or night time. I particularly love that you get to see the world in a way you can't with your naked eye because you leave the shutter open for such long periods. Choppy beaches and waters can appear velvet like in images and are so serene.

Here is my selection of favourites from The Spit and Manly at sunset and night time.

Can you feel the love?

I had the opportunity to photograph this gorgeous girl and her equally gorgeous Mum. Their love and adoration for each other filled the room.